Luxury hotel holidays to Sri Lanka's cultural triangle

Luxury holidays to Sri Lanka's cultural triangle: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle gives visitors the opportunity to experience a melting pot of heritage, culture and wildlife in the central dry, which is home to a wealth of UNESCO world heritage sites and beautiful landscapes, still rich in wildlife and natural habitats. It is essential to visit the Cultural Triangle during a holiday in Sri Lanka. Most visitors spend a day or two visiting the cultural sites as part of a touring holiday around Sri Lanka, yet we think this area is so rich in culture, local life and wildlife that it can also merit a week’s stay, discovering the culture and enjoying the natural environment. The local people here lead a largely agrarian life often centring round rice cultivation. Today’s landscape on these flat, dry, red earth plains is dotted with vast tracts of water - fields of rice paddies and water lilies and the ancient reservoirs known as ‘tanks’ - interspersed with forests and smallholdings, solitary rock mountains, temples and villages. Wild elephants are often sighted inside (and sometimes outside) the national parks, whilst monkeys, swamp hens, cormorants and mynah birds are commonly seen. This area is considered to be the cradle of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilisation as we know it today. It is also the epicentre of Sri Lankan Ayurveda, the science centrifugal to a healthy life – if you want to find a really authentic, traditional Ayurvedic doctor, this is the place to be. There is a great range of high-quality hotels in the Cultural Triangle - we have carefully selected hotels throughout the area which we believe to be the best at what they do. They all enjoy tranquil and beautiful rural settings and range from luxury boutique hotels such as Ulagalla Resort, to eco-friendly resorts such as Jetwing Vil Uyana. There are many highlights of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites which between them telling the fascinating story of Sri Lanka's Civilisation. As well as Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Cave Temples of Dambulla, the Mediaeval capital of Polonnaruwa and the sacred city of Anuradhapura there are numerous other places of interest which are well worth a visit.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion Rock due to the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the palace), is one of the island's most awe-inspiring archaeological sites and its prime tourist attraction. For just two decades in the 5th century AD, the king set up his capital at Sigiriya; his creation was a remarkable feat of engineering and a true work of art. You can stroll through the ruins of the palace and gardens down below and admire the rock, but to fully appreciate Sigiriya it is worth climbing up the steep steps that take you up one side of the rock to reach the summit. At the top, there are majestic views of the surrounding jungle and the foundations of a Royal Palace, whilst on one of the stairways part-way up the rock, you will find ancient frescoes of 21 life sized damsels (believed to be the king's concubines), still shining in their original colours. Where to stay: Jetwing Vil Uyana, an eco-friendly luxury resort with views in the distance of Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Elephant Corridor, an all-suite boutique hotel with stunning views.

Cave temples of Dambulla

Hewn into a 160m granite outcrop are the remarkable cave temples of Dambulla. Used as a refuge since the 1st century BC, each cave is filled with murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and gilded statues of the Buddha in various poses. The temple is spiritual and mesmerising with no less than 150 Buddhist statues in the five caves. Cave 2, the Maharaja Vihara, is the largest and most spectacular. This visit involves a 10-15 minute uphill climb on foot, though you are also rewarded with wonderful views looking over the plain.
Where to stay: Heritance Kandalama, an award-winning eco-resort designed to resemble a natural extension of the mountainside or Kassapa Lion's Rock, a comfortable hotel where culture blends with nature and adventure.

Mediaeval capital of Polonnaruwa

In the 12th century AD, the capital of Polonnaruwa was one of the great urban centres in South Asia. Today, the well-preserved ruins give you the chance to experience the grandeur of this period and marvel at the artistry of the island's early craftsmen. Highlights include the Royal Palace and Council Chamber, and the four graceful Buddha statues of Gal Vihara (Stone Temple), the pinnacle of Sri Lankan rock carving. The site also hosts the Royal baths and the vast artificial Parakrama Samudraya reservoir (Sea of Parakrama) as well as many distinctly South Indian-style Hindu temples. Set amongst gently undulating woodland, the monkeys, giant lizards and birdlife in abundance, Polonnaruwa's historical site is visited using a combination of driving and on foot; or else hire a bike and cycle around (best visited early morning or late afternoon because this is the dry zone).
Where to stay: The Deer Park Hotel, a jungle hideaway which blends traditional and contemporary styles.

The sacred city of Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a vast ancient archaeological site of palaces, monasteries, temples and dagobas, mostly in ruins though some have been restored. This was once one of the grandest monastic cities the world has ever seen, established in the 4th century BC then rising to become the major centre for Buddhist pilgrimage and learning in Sri Lanka. It is home to the 2,300-year-old sacred bo tree, the Sri Maha Bodhiya, which was brought by Sangamitha Theri as a sapling from the bo tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The great kings of Anuradhapura oversaw a golden age in the island's history, building colossal dagobas that rivalled the pyramids of Egypt in scale, and developing a sophisticated irrigation system consisting of vast reservoirs and canals scattered across a 250 square kilometre area that are still in use today. The Jethawanaramaya Stupa is one of the largest ancient monuments in the world, a remarkable feat of engineering. Anuradhapura eventually fell into decline in the 10th century AD, enduring frequent invasions from India. A thriving town has grown up next to the ancient site and both remain an important centre for Buddhism, welcoming pilgrims and monks throughout the year, especially at full moon festivals. Due to the vast scale of the ancient city and the hot weather, people usually drive to the various sites, maybe walking between a few of them. You can hire bicycles to cycle around, best done in the early morning and late afternoon.
Where to stay: Ulagalla Resort, a historic manor house with a distinctive character.

Mihintale Sanctuary

Clearly visible sitting on ‘the hill of Mahinda', 8 km from Anuradhapura, lies Mihintale sanctuary. Known as the ‘cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka', it was here that the Buddhist doctrine was first preached by the monk Mahinda, son of Asoka, Emperor of India, to King Devanampiyatissa more than 2,000 years ago. Mihintale has been a sanctuary since 247 BC and some of the Brahmi inscriptions found here date back to 3 BC. It is approached by a magnificent, wide, ancient stone stairway of 1,840 steps.
Where to stay: Ulagalla Resort, an eco-friendly resort set amongst paddy fields and lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend a minimum of three nights, and four or five if you want to see the region properly rather than simply tick off its sites. Most of the principal sights lie within an hour or so of one another, so a single base around Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana works well for Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Dambulla cave temples, the ruins of Polonnaruwa and the elephant parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla. Anuradhapura, the oldest of the ancient capitals, lies around two hours to the north-west of Sigiriya, and while it can be visited on a long day out, we usually suggest a night or two nearby, with Mihintale on the same visit, for anyone with a real interest in the island's history. Because the heat makes the middle of the day unsuitable for sightseeing, the region rewards a slower pace: an early start at one site, a long lunch and a rest at the hotel, then a second outing in the late afternoon. Clients who give it a week find time for village life, birdwatching on the ancient reservoirs and Ayurvedic treatments as well as the archaeology. The drive from the airport is about four hours, and the hill country around Kandy is around two and a half hours to the south.

The region has an unusually varied choice of hotels, most of them set in quiet countryside rather than in towns, and the right one depends on what you value. For architecture, Heritance Kandalama, designed by Geoffrey Bawa and built into a rock face above the Kandalama reservoir, is a building of real importance and a memorable place to stay. For a sense of seclusion close to Sigiriya, Jetwing Vil Uyana places its dwellings among paddy fields and wetland created on former farmland, while Water Garden Sigiriya and Elephant Corridor offer spacious villa suites, several with their own plunge pools. Near Anuradhapura, Uga Ulagalla occupies the grounds of a historic manor house among paddies and lakes, with private villas spread across a large estate. Smaller properties such as Kalundewa Retreat and Lake Lodge Kandalama suit those who prefer a handful of rooms and a personal welcome. At the simpler end, The Mudhouse and Ulpotha, where there is no electricity, offer a deliberately pared-back experience that some clients find the highlight of their trip, though it is not for everyone. Aliya, Amaya Lake, Deer Park and the two Cinnamon hotels at Habarana provide reliable comfort with good facilities. We know these properties individually and will be candid about which suits you.

The climb is worth doing for anyone reasonably fit, and it is less daunting than it looks from below if you start early and take it slowly. Sigiriya was the fortified palace of King Kashyapa in the fifth century AD, and the ascent involves around 1,200 steps, a mix of ancient stone stairways and modern metal staircases fixed to the rock face, which takes most people between one and a half and two hours up and down. On the way you pass the frescoes of the celebrated female figures, reached by a short spiral staircase, the polished Mirror Wall with its ancient graffiti, and the great lion's paws that once framed the final entrance. From the summit, where the foundations of the palace remain, the views across the forest and reservoirs are extensive. We advise arriving as the site opens, before the heat and the crowds, with a hat, water and comfortable shoes. Those who suffer from vertigo, or who would rather not climb, will still find much to enjoy in the symmetrical water gardens and terraces at the foot of the rock, which are among the oldest landscaped gardens in Asia, and in the site museum. Your driver-guide will judge the best time on the day.

They are quite different experiences, and those with an interest in history will want to see both. Polonnaruwa, the royal capital of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, is compact and well preserved, and can be seen comfortably in a morning, by car, on foot or, for the energetic, by bicycle. Its high points are the Royal Palace and Council Chamber, the circular relic house known as the Vatadage, and Gal Vihara, where four great images of the Buddha were carved from a single granite face; they are widely regarded as the finest rock sculptures on the island. The vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir beside the ruins shows the scale of the kings' irrigation works. Anuradhapura is older, larger and very different in feel, because it remains a living sacred city. Pilgrims dressed in white come to worship at the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred bo tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and at the great white dagoba of Ruwanwelisaya, while the colossal brick stupa of Jetavanaramaya stands among quieter ruins. Nearby Mihintale, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, completes the picture. At all sacred sites, shoulders and knees should be covered and shoes and hats removed; light socks are useful, as the ground becomes very hot.

The elephant gathering is at its best from around July to October, during the dry season, when the herds move to the receding shores of the great Minneriya reservoir to graze on fresh grass and drink. In a good year, a hundred or more elephants can gather on the open plain in the late afternoon, including family groups with young calves, and it is a wildlife spectacle of real distinction. The animals move between Minneriya, Kaudulla and Hurulu Eco Park according to water and grazing, so local knowledge matters: your driver-guide and the jeep drivers will decide on the day which park offers the best chance. Safaris take place in open jeeps, usually in the afternoon, and last around three hours. Outside the peak months, elephants are still frequently seen, though in smaller numbers. Birdlife on the reservoirs is rich throughout the year, with herons, cormorants, painted storks and kingfishers, and the region suits keen birdwatchers. For clients who would like to combine wildlife with culture, the elephant parks fit easily into an afternoon after a morning visit to Polonnaruwa or Sigiriya. We do not include elephant rides in any of our holidays, and we encourage clients to see these animals in the wild instead.

A great deal, and these quieter experiences are often what clients remember most. Ritigala, a ninth-century forest monastery hidden in dense jungle on an isolated mountain, is atmospheric and rarely busy, though it involves a walk over uneven ground. The Aukana Buddha, a standing figure of about twelve metres carved from the rock, and the small stone temple of Nalanda Gedige, which blends Hindu and Buddhist design, reward those with a particular interest in the island's sculpture and architecture. Away from the monuments, the region is still largely agricultural, and a village visit, a bicycle ride along paddy-field tracks, or a boat trip on one of the ancient reservoirs gives a clear sense of how rural life has continued around the tanks for two thousand years. Cookery with a local family, using clay pots over a wood fire, is a good introduction to Sri Lankan food. The Cultural Triangle is also the heartland of traditional Ayurveda, and several of our hotels have Ayurvedic practitioners on site, while Ulpotha offers a more immersive programme of yoga and Ayurveda. If you are continuing south, the drive to Kandy passes spice gardens and the Matale area, and your driver-guide can suggest stops along the way.

The Cultural Triangle lies in Sri Lanka's dry zone and is hot throughout the year, with average temperatures of around 30°C and much less rain than the south-west of the island. Most of its rainfall comes between November and February, with the north-east monsoon, though this tends to fall in heavy but short showers, and the landscape is at its greenest afterwards. From around May to September the region is dry and reliably sunny, which suits travellers combining it with the south and west coasts, and this is also the season of the elephant gathering at Minneriya. Whatever the month, we plan sightseeing for the early morning and late afternoon, with the hottest hours spent at the hotel or travelling in an air-conditioned car. Buddhist full-moon days, known as Poya, are public holidays and bring pilgrims to the sacred sites. The most significant here are Vesak in May, and Poson in June, which commemorates the arrival of Buddhism at Mihintale and draws very large numbers of pilgrims to Mihintale and Anuradhapura. These festivals are deeply atmospheric, though the sites are crowded and accommodation is in demand, so we will advise on dates when planning your holiday.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Sri Lanka and within Sri Lanka, combining flights, rail, and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Sri Lanka's Cultu

● Cultural tours for individuals
● Cookery
● Visits to local festivals
● Private guided sightseeing
● Safari and wildlife experiences
● Scenic train travel
● Family holidays
● Eco experiences
● Ayurveda and other spa holidays
● Walking and cycling
● Bird-watching
● Garden visits

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Highlights of the Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Dambulla Cave Temples; Polonnaruwa – ruins of the ancient capital; Anuradhapura – sacred city; Wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park (or Kaudulla National Park); Elephant rides/treks; Birdwatching on the ‘tanks’; Hot air balloon ride; Cycle ride – local village life; Ayurveda health treatments, massages, herbal steam beds and aromatic baths; Ritigala monastery ruins (walking required); Aukana Buddha; Mihintale; the story of Buddhism; the story of Ayurveda. Day trip or continue on to Kandy, visiting spice gardens, batik workshops, Temple of the Tooth, Kandy market, city centre, view from hills, workshops for woodcarving, brass and musical instruments.

Cultural highlights of the Cultural Triangle

Four of Sri Lanka's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in what is popularly known as the Cultural Triangle. Between them they tell a fascinating story of Sri Lanka’s civilisation. The 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites and its prime tourist attraction, well worth climbing to see the majestic views from the summit. Nearby are the Dambulla Cave Temples, each cave filled with murals and gilded statues depicting the life of the Buddha. The well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, the 12th century capital, tell a story of Buddhism, royalty, kinship, war and power. Highlights are the Royal Palace, Council Chamber and four graceful Buddha statues of Gal Vihara. The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a vast archaeological site of palaces, monasteries, temples and dagobas, mostly in ruins, although some have been resorted. This was one of the grandest monastic cities that the world has ever seen. Other sights worth seeing are Mihintale Sanctuary, known as the ‘cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka’; Ritigala, ruins of a 9th century monastery hidden amongst dense forest; and Minneriya National Park, a park filled with wildlife including elephants, buffalo, wild boar and crocodiles.

Festivals in the Cultural Triangle

The Buddhist festivals: monthly on Poya (full moon) days, especially Vesak (May) and Poson (June). Poson marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahat Maha Mahinda, son of Asoka of India at Mihintale in 3rd century BC. July to October – the Elephant Gathering: during this season in the evenings, hundreds of wild elephants gather along the banks of the Minneriya Tank.

Climate in the Cultural Triangle

As the climate is very hot with an average temperature of 30° C, it is best to do sightseeing and activities in the early mornings and late afternoons, with time to relax at the hotel, eat or travel in air-conditioning at the height of the day. Average humidity is 60%, with very little rainfall most of the year - most of the rain falls between November and February when the North-east monsoon prevails.

Cultural Triangle travel information

Sri Lankan Airways operates daily flights to Colombo from London Heathrow. Most flights leave London in the afternoon or evening. Flight time is about 11 hours. From Colombo you can also take the Sri Lankan air taxi to regional centres throughout the country.

Travel around the region

We include private transfers with all our holidays to Sri Lanka, and a personal chauffer with all our touring holidays. Driving Distances: Colombo to Sigiriya – (170 km) 4 hours, International Airport to Sigiriya – (153 km) 4 hours, Dambulla to Sigiriya – (24 km) 30 minutes, Dambulla to Polonnaruwa (70 km) 2 hours Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura – (100 km) 2.5 hours, Sigiriya to Anuradhapura – (82 km) 2 hours, International Airport to Anuradhapura – (170 km) 4.5 hours, Sigiriya to Kandy – (92 km) 2.5 hours.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

Our special interest holidays to Sri Lanka's Cultu

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Cultural Triangle showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

Our special interest holidays to Sri Lanka's Cultu

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday